bowing
Assembly rules at commercial high school called cult-like, disrespectful to students.
Even people born and raised in famously polite Japan are amazed by Iwate Prefecture’s manners.
If you’re starting a new job, you might want to stretch out your back before showing up at the office for your first day.
The 96th National High School Baseball Championship, better known as Summer Koshien, is now underway in Hyogo Prefecture. In other words, Japan is once again swept up by baseball fever.
The championship takes the form of a single elimination tournament between the regional champions from each of Japan’s 47 prefectures (Hokkaido and Tokyo are both allowed two teams each). One of the teams this year, which hails from northern Japan’s Yamagata Prefecture, has become an especially hot topic online, even though they were recently knocked out in the third round. The reason for their popularity is not only because of their skill, but also for their unbelievably well-mannered conduct off of the field. Introducing the team that has now become known as the most polite high school baseball team in all of Japan.
The cleaning crews who maintain Japan’s high-speed bullet trains have a mere seven minutes to make the interior of the train spotlessly clean for its next journey. Those seven minutes are carefully divided into different tasks to make sure everything gets done in the allotted time.
Another curious detail people often notice about these cleaners is the way they bow as trains are entering and exiting the station. While this act is generally thought to be a respectful gesture, the intended recipient of the bowing seems to be a matter of great debate, with plenty of conflicting opinions out there, even among the Japanese!







Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Real Buddhist monk plays Super Mario Bros., recites prayers every time he kills an enemy【Video】
15 rude things not to do on trains in Japan【Survey】
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
What it’s like to attend an idol concert where they’re singing lyrics that you wrote【Pt. II】
Michelin star-winning ramen can now be bought nationwide in cup noodle form
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
15 rude things not to do on trains in Japan【Survey】
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
What it’s like to attend an idol concert where they’re singing lyrics that you wrote【Pt. II】
Michelin star-winning ramen can now be bought nationwide in cup noodle form
Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki says the anime industry’s problem is that it’s full of anime fans
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Permanent Japanese residency to be possible for foreigners with anime-related jobs after one year
Saitama man robs 7-Eleven with knives, steals 3 onigiri
How to use Japanese convenience store Lawson’s self-checkout terminals